When the grill cools and the sun starts to dip, that’s when dessert takes the spotlight. I’ve pulled together my go-to summer cookout desserts—from no bake summer desserts that chill in the fridge to desserts for BBQ nights that pair beautifully with smoky ribs and tangy slaw. Whether you’re after easy summer desserts or something bold and fruity, this list is made for long evenings and second helpings.
1. Beach Cupcakes
These red white and blue desserts are sweet little showstoppers, topped with Teddy Grahams having fun in the sun, with edible beach scenes and cutesy beach blankets. Fun to make, easy to serve, and adorable on any summer dessert table.
2. Apple Dapple Cake
This moist, tender cake hides chunks of apple and a warm brown sugar glaze. It’s one of those make ahead summer desserts that tastes better the next day—if it lasts that long.
3. Lemon Cool Whip Cookies
Soft, tart, and coated in powdered sugar, these Cool Whip desserts are a refreshing change from heavy baked goods. I love them straight from the fridge on a hot afternoon (but they are good at room temp too).
4. Strawberry Blueberry Pretzel Pie
Sweet meets salty in this layered dessert with a crunchy crust, creamy filling, and fruit dessert recipe flair. The berries shine, and the jello topping keeps it picnic-friendly.
5. Chocolate Chip Cookies
Everyone’s favorite, now in a gluten-free version that still delivers chewy middles and crisp edges. These cookies hold up in the heat and pair well with melty ice cream (in case you’re feeling like homemade ice cream sandwiches). This is Andi’s tried-and-tested go-to for homemade chocky chip cookies.
6. Lemon Crazy Cake
No eggs, no dairy, just big lemon flavor. This WWII-era bake is one of my best easy summer desserts—bright, nostalgic, and made in a single bowl.
7. Tropical Fruit No Bake Pie
A chilled, creamy pie topped with pineapple rings, maraschino cherries and pecans, filled with crushed pineapple and coconut flakes. Light and refreshing, it’s the no bake summer dessert I make when the kitchen is just too hot.
8. Homemade Peach Cobbler
Juicy peaches, tender cake topping, and a little crunch around the edges. I serve this warm with vanilla ice cream at nearly every summer cookout dessert table I host.
9. Fruit Dip with Cream Cheese
This sweet, tangy dip turns a bowl of berries, apple slices, or grapes into something special. Great for picnic desserts or last-minute potlucks, the most time it will take is waiting for the cream cheese to come to room temp. (Here are some of my tips for softening cream cheese a bit faster.)
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10. Sheet Pan Peanut Butter Cookie Bars
Chewy, rich, and full of peanut butter flavor, these bars feed a crowd and travel well. They’re one of my top picks for desserts for a crowd.
11. Cherry Cheesecake Cups
Single-serve cheesecake meets cherry pie filling in these sweet little jars. They’re make ahead summer desserts that feel a bit fancy with very little fuss.
12. Oreo Rice Krispie Treats
A chocolatey spin on the classic—these bars blend crispy cereal with crushed cookies for a chewy, nostalgic bite. They’re one of my favorite easy cookout desserts to make ahead.
13. Strawberry Ice Cream Cake
Cold, creamy, and loaded with berry flavor, this dreamy cake layers ice cream sandwiches, whipped topping, sundae topping and fresh strawberries. Make-ahead, a handful of packaged ingredients, and you’re done. It’s one of those fun summer desserts that disappears fast.
14. Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow
Crispy, sweet, and coated in strawberry-white chocolate magic, this snack mix is dangerously snackable. Ideal for easy summer desserts for a crowd, especially when you’re short on time.
15. Oreo Fluff
This creamy, no-bake dessert whips together pudding, whipped topping, and crushed cookies. Light and sweet, it’s a go-to for BBQ desserts for a crowd when you need something chill.
16. Strawberry Fluff
Speaking of fluff…This cool, creamy recipe is full of juicy strawberries. This no-fuss treat is easy to scoop and serve, using gelatin, cool whip, crushed pineapple, whipped cottage cheese and fresh berries. It’s my kind of cookout food—low effort, high reward.
17. Lavender No-Bake Cheesecake
Lightly floral and ultra creamy, this pretty-as-a-picture lavender cheesecake has a graham cracker crust and an elegant feel. Chill it overnight for a standout among summertime desserts.
The bottom line
I keep these cookout desserts for a crowd in my back pocket every summer (with new ones every year, so bookmark this for next time). From no-bake fluff to chilled cheesecakes, there’s something for everyone. If your grill party ends with a sweet bite and a smile, I’d say you picked the right summer dessert ideas.
